Family of seven displaced in Oceanside fire

A fire at a house near the San Luis Rey gate to Camp Pendleton was caused accidentally by a 5-year-old playing with a lighter in the garage, Oceanside fire officials said.

The blaze was reported at 4 p.m. Friday at the residence on Newport Street, near Morro Bay Street.

The three-car garage of the two-story house was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived, and the blaze was spreading rapidly, said Oceanside Fire Department Battalion Chief Peter Lawrence. The fire was under control in 12 minutes, but it took nearly an hour to completely extinguish the flames, he said.

One adult and five children who were home at the time were able to safely get out, but one family cat died and another suffered a burn injury, Lawrence said.

The garage was destroyed and flames spread to the attic. Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from entering the living area and from reaching houses on either side.

Damage was estimated at $200,000 to the structure and $30,000 to the contents. The house was occupied by renters, a family of two adults and five children, and they did not have insurance for their belongings, Lawrence said. While fighting the blaze in the attic, firefighters covered property in the house with plastic to reduce damage.

The 5-year-old will be enrolled in a juvenile fire-setter diversion program, Lawrence said.